'Create cinema which contributes to social transformation, moral upliftment': Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday called upon the film industry to create cinema which contributes to social transformation and moral upliftment.

President Mukherjee, who was speaking on the occasion Centenary celebrations of Indian Cinema organized by Government of Tamil Nadu and South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce at Chennai, said cinema is a popular and powerful medium of communication.

"The number of cine goers in country is very large. It is therefore essential to strike a balance between entertainment and social responsibility of this medium. The recent incidents of crime against women and children have shaken the conscience of the nation," President Mukherjee said.

"We have also been witness to tragic communal riots in some parts of our country recently. We must find ways to reverse the erosion of our values," he added.

President Mukherjee said cinema can and must play a role in resetting the moral compass of the nation.

"It is the responsibility of everyone associated with the film industry to use the powerful medium of cinema to portray our positive societal values for building a tolerant and harmonious India," he added.

He called upon the entertainment industry to be mindful and sensitive to this responsibility and take all steps to create cinema that contributes to social transformation and moral upliftment.